Recessionista files: Sample Sales.

Black Friday is long gone. But one thing New Yorkers can always count on is: sample sales. Shop on New York!

• Couture bridal dresses and evening-gown samples by Kelima K are 30 to 60 percent off. An ivory sheath with chiffon ruffles is $960 (originally $2,400), a silk taffeta ballgown with a shirred bodice is $895 (originally $1,695), and a short embossed silk dress is $575 (originally $895). Through 12/5. 229B Mott St., nr. Prince St. (212-334-6546); T–S (3–7).

• Handbags from L.A.M.B., Harajuku Lovers, and Kidrobot are up to 70 percent off. Prices range from $5 for small Kidrobot accessories to $150 for large L.A.M.B. handbags. The Keaton bag is $150 (originally $495), the Fisher clutch is $75 (originally $495), and the Kidrobot Slinger is $20 (originally $98). Through 12/3. 42 Greene St., nr. Broome St., second fl.; T (8–8), W–Th (10–7).

• Cashmere, cashmere-blend, and cotton apparel is up to 75 percent off at the Autumn Cashmere sample sale. 12/1–12/4 and 12/7–12/11. 231 W. 39th St., nr. Seventh Ave., ste. 924 (212-398-2244); T–F (9–7) and M–F (9–6).

Thanks ny mag!

Love, Kelie

Just because we love it!

Raffia bag. Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere, $1,080. Available for purchase at Barneys New York.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just because we love it and because it's Chanel!

Sunglasses by Chanel, $510, at select Chanel Boutique nationwide.

Kick it!

If you live in New York, you know all about street walking. When you first move out here it's like being on an instant diet that actually works. Personally I lost at least 10 pounds on what we'll call: the "street walker" diet. On the flip side however walking this much is terrible for your heels! I am and will always be a die hard supporter of the high heel no matter how much walking I have to do. But this season a more casual kind of footwear caught my attention. The kick game is playing hard and everyone is tuning in.

DJ Mark Ronson for Gucci.

Comme des Garçons' take on Chuck Taylors. 212-604-9200 UES Upper Echelon Shoes.

We are loving the metallic finish, retro lines and hardware used on these fun styles. Everyone should consider adding at least one pair to their staples. There is a sneaker out there for every budget! So kick back, relax and enjoy the walk.

Love, Kelie

Just because we love it...and own it! Boot edition.

Ebbe cutout booties by BCBGMAXAZRIA, $275. Purchase here. Ok, let me explain. Yes, you read properly. I simply could not help myself. I went on a little shopping spree last weekend and bought these sky high BCBGMAXAZRIA booties! I know the economy is at a low but how will it ever recover if we don't give it a little push? Somehow this last statement helps dissipate all of my guilt. :) My wish list was long: chain purse, satchel, red wool coat, black skinny jeans, blue skinny jeans (the skinnier the better), boyfriend distressed jeans, button-down shirts, pearls, aviator shades, and on the very top of that list, boots - all kinds of boots: flat knee-high boots, rain boots, high heel boots, over-the-knee boots and of course booties. My spirits were high and so was the tab. But who cares? My Ebbe cutout booties were totally worth it! I did my part for the economy, will you do yours?

Love, Kelie

P.S.: I might let you in on some other great buys! Who knows? This might inspire you to give the economy a boost with a shopping spree of your own!

OMG Moment: So jealous!

Chanel has it's own magazine! Hip hip hurray! Here is your first look at the first issue of 31 rue Cambon. (the magazine was named in honor of the first Chanel store. Pretty classy! We like it!) Love, Kelie. P.S.: We're so jealous of purple Diary who collaborated with our idol, Karl Lagerfeld on the project! :) Good jealousy, of course.

Recessionista files.

Samples sales starting on 11/17/2009. Enjoy! ;) 1. Samples and stock are 70 percent off at the Marlies Dekkers lingerie sale. Through 11/19. 50 W. 57th St., nr. Sixth Ave., eighth fl.; T–Th (10–6).

2. Shirts and hats are 70 percent off and hoodies are 75 percent off at the Kidrobot sample sale. Hoodies are $25, T-shirts are $15, and hats are $10. Through 11/18. 56 W. 22nd St., nr. Sixth Ave., second fl.; T–W (11–8). 3. Kooba handbags from current and past seasons are up to 80 percent off. Through 11/19. 141 W. 36th St., nr. Seventh Ave., nineteenth fl.; T–Th (10–2) and (3–8).

4. Classic crocodile clutches are 50 percent off at the Nancy Gonzalez sale. Through 11/19. 50 W. 57th St., nr. Sixth Ave., eighth fl. (212-920-1211); T–Th (10–6).

5. Handbags, totes, clutches, and wallets are up to 80 percent off at the MCM sample sale. New merchandise will be added throughout the week. Through 11/19. 50 W. 57th St., nr. Sixth Ave., eighth fl. (212-920-1211); T–Th (10–6).

6. Outerwear, sportswear, and dresses are up to 80 percent off at the Strenesse sample and stock sale. Through 11/19. 50 W. 57th St., nr. Sixth Ave., eighth fl. (212-920-1211); T–Th (10–6). 7. Fall merchandise from Vivienne Westwood, Iodice, Bliss Lau, and Ilaria Nistri is up to 75 percent off. Prices range from $50 to $300. Through 11/29. Scatola Showroom, 544 W. 27th St., nr. Eleventh Ave., sixth fl.; Tu–F (10–7). 8. Receive 75 percent off women's ready-to-wear and men's suits, shirts, and accessories at the Christian Lacroix and Isaia Napoli sample sale. Through 11/21. 260 Fifth Ave., nr. 28th St.; T–F (10–7), S (10–2:30). Love, Kelie

Book it!

How could we not have known about mrs-o.org? This blog by Mary Tomer has been tracking Mrs. Obama's fashion sensibilities and has now compiled all her wardrobe picks in a book. Mrs. O, the face of fashion democracy includes Michelle's fashions from her wedding to the White House on top of interviews with designers like Isabel Toledo, Maria Pinto and of course, Jason Wu. Click here to order. You know we are! ;) Love, Kelie

Bill Blass to Reveal New Designer Soon

After filing for bankruptcy and shuttering about a year ago, Bill Blass is finally readying for a comeback that will hopefully beat the one Christina Aguilera attempted. Peacock Holdings bought the label for $10 million in late December of last year. Now the rumor is that Jeffrey Monteiro will be appointed head designer of the women's collection. Monteiro moved to New York from Australia to design for Mayle. He later was design director at Derek Lam, and launched his own collection in the fall. Peacock says they'll reveal a new designer in a few weeks. Maybe we'll see them on the runway soon. [WWD] [THE CUT]

Today's events and sales

EVENTS • Bare Escentuals opens a new 1,600-square-foot boutique in Times Square. The first 100 visitors on Friday and Saturday will receive a free T-shirt. 1585 Broadway, nr. 47th St. (212-220-0414); daily, 9–11. • Meet handbag and accessories designer Carlos Falchi at Bergdorf Goodman. Falchi will be signing handbags for all who attend. 754 Fifth Ave., at 57th St. (212-753-7300); 10–5. SALES STARTING TODAY • Clothing, shoes, jewelry, and bags by Surface to Air are 50 to 60 percent off. Through 11/15. 5 Crosby St., nr. Grand St., Ste. 6D; F–Su (noon–7). ENDING TODAY • Save up to 70 percent at the Tibi fall 2009 sample sale. The paisley tie-waist dress is $100 (originally $328), the silk strapless dress is $105 (originally $345), and the beaded shift dress is $168 (originally $528). 409 W. 39th St., nr. Ninth Ave.; W (1–7), Th (9–6), F (9–5). • Merchandise from Martin Margiela, DSquared, and Viktor & Rolf is discounted at the Staff USA sample sale. 220 W. 19th St., nr. Seventh Ave., eleventh fl.; Th–F (10–7). • Current samples and past-season items are up to 80 percent off at the Lewis Cho sample sale. 225 W. 36th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 702 (212-629-9329); Th (11–8), F (11–7). • Patricia Field and Baileys Irish Cream are pairing up to launch the Baileys Holiday Shoe Store to benefit the Clothes Off Our Back charity. Designer shoes from L.A.M.B., Barbara Bui, Sergio Rossi, and more are $75 apiece (originally $300 to $1,200). 421 W. Broadway, nr. Spring St.; W–F (11–7). • Bathing suits start at $30 and men's button-down shirts start at $50 at the Kathleen Cook and Orlando Carreras sample sale. 147 W. 35th St., nr. Sixth Ave., Ste. 1003; Th (10–8), F (10–7). • Sportswear is 75 percent off at the Lafayette 148 sale. 148 Lafayette St., nr. Grand St.; T–F (9–8). (THE CUT)

Just because we love it!

JCrew flats. $140.

Spotlight on the Sartorialist

November 9Th post: The Sartorialist for Burberry's Art of The Trench (London) We could not resist these two cuties in matching trench coats!

Just because we love it! Boot edition.

Multi zipper ankle boots by Guiseppe Zanotti, $975. Purchase here.

I heart revolution. I've seen it, now what?

Helen Keller said: “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.”

I have to tell you about the film I just saw: I heart revolution, we're all in this together. I don't quite know how to put into words the emotions this movie stirred up inside of me. It touched me in ways that I can't explain, but will try any way.

About the film: Hilsong United, a worship team out of Australia, goes on a world tour and sheds light on the social issues they encounter along the way. In those 120 minutes, we see the life of the broken, the forgotten and the abused. The film is not so much about the immensity of the problems we have in this world but more so about the beauty of a single soul. In short, the film is about love.

About a week ago, a friend of mine asked me if I had ever been in love. He then proceeded to tell me what love was: "love is doing everything you can for the other person without expecting anything in return." The I heart revolution is not about charity, it is not about visibility but simply about humanity. It is one human being coming alongside another to offer help with no expectations. It's sitting down with a homeless person, it's helping a child in need with no fanfare, no announcement, no reward. Trying to fix everything that is wrong in this world is terrifying and overwhelming. "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” Here, Nelson Mandela is saying that to fear is nothing but another human emotion that needs to be felt and overcome.

Remember that the goal is not for one person to bring an end to social injustice or stop natural disasters like hurricane Katrina and the tsunami from bringing devastation. But the focus is on that one person in need of a special and unique touch. It's not about the end but about the start. To find out the many cool ways you can join the revolution, start here.

Love, Kelie

Upcycling!

"Out with the old and in with the new", they say. But, how about taking the old and making it new? Now there's a concept worth looking into. In this economy, every little bit helps. Some pretend that the economy is doing great and continue to shop away. Some choose to shop their closets and add a few fashion pieces to it. Others choose not to shop at all which we do not recommend- there is nothing more depressing then wearing the exact same outfits as last season. No matter which category you fall under, here is something that you might want to consider: upcycling! Upcycling is recycling your clothes upward! "How?" you ask. Our latest contributor, Gloria's closet, will help you embrace the upcycler in you. Follow her as she tells you how to make a bubble skirt from a pair of old pleated trousers. Here is what you will need: - A pair of pleated trousers - Scissors - Elastic - Seam ripper - Thread (same color as trouser) - Sewing machine - Tape measure - Pins - Chalk Procedure: 1. Decide how long you want your skirt to be. It should be above the knee but not too short since this style rides up a bit while walking. Add 2" to that measurement to allow for the elastic to which we will sew to the hem to create that bubble effect. Fold pants, measure and cut. 2. Remove the inseam stitch using a seam ripper. Sew fronts of legs together at Center Front seam and backs together at Center Back, mimicking the original seam. 3. Measure length of elastic. Should be long enough to walk comfortably, but short enough to create a cool gathered effect. Add 1" to overlap the ends when you sew them together. 4. Sew the elastic ends together, overlapping 1". 5. "Quarter" the elastic into 4 equal sections, marking with pins or chalk. Pin to the bottom of the skirt on the inside folding 1/2" of fabric from the bottom of the skirt over the edge of the elastic and lining up the pins on quartered elastic with the four seams of the skirt (2 sides, center front and center back). Elastic should be narrower than the skirt bottom. 6. Sew elastic, stretching it as you sew and using zigzag stitches. 7. Turn over and sew again using zigzag stitches. And voila! Love, Gloria's Closet

That's new!

Michelle Obama is known for her use of accessories, belts being one of her main staples. Here, we see her harvesting the White House vegetable garden in one of her favorite Azzedine Alaia belts. Don't mistake it for the black studded belt she usually wears though. In this photo, she is switching it up and wearing the purple version, for the first time, over a purple cardigan, lavender tee and matching kicks. Now that's chic gardening! Love, Kelie

Best of InStyle magazine: Power dressing

I am glad this day is coming to an end. I don't like to look at the glass as being half empty but today was just one of those days. I am sure you know what I am talking about. But now that I am in front of my computer everything is getting back into place. And I must say that it brings me great joy to finally tell you about this month's InStyle Power Dressing segment.

In this article InStyle presents a how-to to dressing in modern American style perfect for the workplace. To do this they used staples found in our own Michelle O's closet. As you know we have been following the First Lady's fashions for over a year and so has InStyle. Here is what they had to say:

Long Coats: In an airy neutral tone or bursting with color, a clean-line coat that comes to the knee makes a tasteful statement. Combine it with a matching dress or skirt for pulled-together polish.

Bold Cardigans: The new business chic swaps restrained suit jackets for spirited sweaters, often belted. Crewneck or V-neck, worn open or closed, solid or patterned-these lively knits look both approachable and office-appropriate. Plus, they're comfortable.

Textured skirts: The knee-length silhouette may be simple, but the fabrics are quite the opposite: rich brocades, nubby tweeds, and dazzling metallics. Instead of offsetting the skirt's sumptuousness, play it up with a bright belt or an embellished sweater.

Bright sheaths: There's something inherently optimistic about a vibrant dress, especially when it's in a solid hue-and this classic, body-skimming shape is a figure flatterer. Anyone can pull off these juicy tones, as long as they're worn with confidence.

Key accessories: Pearl chokers are the jeans of the jewelry world-they go with absolutely everything. Wide belts give definition to boxy jackets and unstructured cardigans. A cluster of oversize brooches adds oomph to classic blazers. And a pair of low heels in snakeskin or metallic leather are in step with any occasion.

I read it all so you don't have to!

Love, Kelie

Just because we love it! Boot edition.

Chichi moto boots by Juicy Couture, $450. Available at Bloomingdale's.

Donatella Versace for charity!

You might not know this but, Donatella Versace as fabulous as she may be is also an absolute sweetheart. She has a real heart of gold. This summer, she launched the Art Unites program at the Whitney Museum of American Art in Manhattan. But that's not all. She also partnered with Starlight Children's foundation to create her next IT bag. In fact, several children from the foundation had the chance to try their hand at handbag print design. Their mandate was to draw pictures on the theme of friendship.

Each of their illustrations will then be made into a Versace tote. Each tote will be sold for $250 with all the proceeds from the sales going to Starlight Children's Foundation who caters to sick children in America and to Jet Li One Foundation, which helps 2008 earthquake victims in China's Sichuan province.

When can you get one, you ask?

Well, the totes are now available online exclusively through Gilt Groupe. And, if you make your purchase by December 1st, you will receive %20 discount at any Versace boutique in the U.S. Now that's really sweet!

Love, Kelie

Best of Harper's Bazaar

There is nothing worst than being unable to fall back asleep after waking up in the middle of the night. Well, actually there are far worst things, like being stuck in an elevator with a men with uncontrollable flatulence, but I think you understand the point I am trying to make.

You can feel the fatigue all over your body but cannot find a single z. That was me last night. Imagine the joy I felt today when I stumbled upon an article on how to fall asleep and stay asleep. I was actually reading this month's Bazaar for the second time during my morning commute, tearing out interesting articles like the one on Donatella Versace and going over this fall's hottest trends. This article did not catch my eye the first time I glanced over page 206 but this morning was different. Here is what it said:

FALL ASLEEP AND STAY ASLEEP

- Reveille repetition: "Going to bed at the same time is good, but it's better to have a set rising time,"says J. Kirby Pate, a Nashville sleep specialist.

- Don't panic if you wake up: "We sleep in about 90-minute cycles, and it's not unusual to rise after the second," explains Pate. "After four to five hours, sleep is not particularly restful. You may wake up a few times, but you'll typically go right back to sleep."

- Keep dreaming: Find yourself half awake at 2.00am? Woodson Merrell, chairman of integrative medicine at New York's Beth Israel Medical Center, advises, "As you are coming to consciousness, hold on to your dream. Don't let other thoughts come in." Or take a few Boiron Quietude homeopathic tablets ($10.79), which won't make you drowsy later.

-Passing out isn't sleeping: Alcohol may help you conk out, but you're likely to wake up and not be able to get into deep slumber.

- Take a dip: At least an hour before bed, take a bath with scented salts or calming lavender oil. Try Origins Calm to Your Senses Lavender and Vanilla Milk Bath ($17.50) or Jo Malone Amber & Lavender Bath Oil ($65).

- Save the meds for jet lag: "It's safe to say that prescriptions (the big three: Lunesta, Ambien, and Sonata) aren't chemically addictive, but you can become psychologically dependent," notes Pate.

- Check out Valerian: "It's like an herbal sleeping pill," says Merrell.

Hope one of these can work for me tonight. I read it all so you don't have to!

Sleep tight.

Love, Kelie

Spotlight on The Sartorialist

It is safe to say that we are obsessed with The Sartorialists work and invite you to visit his blog. Here is a photo posted last Saturday that caught our attention. October 17th post called: On the street...Olivia P, London.

The mixture of patterns and proportions make for a very eye catching outfit! Wouldn't you say so?

Feel good shopping: Pink ribbon for your home.

It's been a while since we've shopped for a cause. October is breast cancer awareness month. What better way to show our support than by bringing you a variety of items that are as cute as they are helpful. Plus, they are pink! What more could you ask for? Ten percent of sales of these pretty nesting bowls goes to Continuum Cancer Centers of New York. They are exactly what you've been missing in your kitchen. Floral sculpted nesting bowl, Zak, $32/4. Purchase here. Why not bring some life to your office and join the fight? Every time you look at your orchid you'll feel good knowing that ten percent of the net sales benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Pink Ribbon Orchid, Pro flowers, $50. Purchase here. Organize your recipes with style. Ten percent of sales goes to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Gold label recipe box, Sugar Paper Los Angeles, $96. Purchase here. Love, Kelie

Just because we love it! Boot edition.

Winter sneaked up on us but this doesn't mean we should be sad about it! The best is yet to come. Boot season is officially open and we should celebrate! Here is one of our faves this season by Juicy Couture. Juicy Couture, "Izzie" ruffled ankle boots. $395

Be on the look out for many more it this "Just because we love it! Boot edition."

Love, Kelie.

Septashion - Part 2

With September behind us we reminisce on how good it's been to us, fashion lovers.

Coco before Chanel, the film:

If you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting for? Released on September 25Th, the film depicts the life of the legend showing both her professional triumph and personal tragedy. I refuse to spoil this movie for you so this is all I am going to say.

London Fashion Week Sept. 18 - 23: We give our hat to London Fashion week for making all it's shows available on video. You should definitely take a look. It's like you were there minus the airfare. If you are really into it, dress up and invite some friends over for a night of fashion a la London! View shows.

Milan Fashion Week: Milan is by far one of the best dressed cities in the world. For your viewing pleasure, here are some of the looks seen on the streets of Milan during fashion week.

Photo credits: Thanks to The Sartorialist for the FAB pics!!

Love, Kelie